Challenging role
June 1st 2006

Construction industry safety demands a special type of person, according to health and safety recruitment specialist Principal People, a company that has been filling health and safety jobs in the construction industry for 20 years.

Its experience shows that the candidate must have the personality and advocacy skills to challenge macho cultures, the authority to work with management and the single mindedness to stay on message.

The attraction of working in such a demanding environment runs deeper than money, although Principal People says that construction safety is better paid than many health and safety roles. The job, however, does present many real challenges.

A survey of health and safety professionals revealed such issues as the common use of temporary workers and contractors, inadequate training, and conflicts between the safety function and site management.

The satisfaction of being part of a major building project and seeing it through to a safe conclusion is said to appeal in a way that few other industries can match.

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